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(Editor’s Note: John Dolton writes that Township Planner Jenn Cram is an unbiased, competent and hardworking planner for Peninsula Township. Read on for his thoughts. -jb)
In response to some of the criticisms and concerns expressed regarding Peninsula Township’s Director of Planning and Zoning, Jenn Cram, I would like to share my experience.
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As the chair of the Township’s Zoning Board of Appeals, I have worked with Jenn on a number of issues during her entire tenure as Director of Planning and Zoning. I find her to be extraordinarily conscientious, thoughtful and detailed in her approach and application of our existing zoning ordinance. I have found her decision making to be unbiased and not reflective of any personal agenda.
Significantly, under Jenn’s leadership, the Township has made substantial strides in working to adopt amendments to the ordinance that reflect the changing needs and desires of our community. The amendment to the building height definition and the in-process shoreline study group to update our shoreline regulations are just two such examples. In both cases, resident and expert opinion has been welcomed and encouraged, and has been essential in formulating policy to be reflected in the ordinance language itself.
And don’t get me started on the Master Plan. Primarily through the diligent efforts of Jenn and the Planning Commission, the Township has been able to get the final document to the Township Board and across the finish line.
We in Peninsula Township should be extremely grateful to have such a competent, hardworking and ethically upstanding director of planning and zoning serving the residents of our community. I know I am.
-John Dolton
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Of course you overlook the fact that both the height and shoreline committees came about only after citizens objected to the attempt to ramrod through those changes with no input from citizens. If the citizens had not objected there would never have been a committee and the most egregious changes would have resulted.
And let’s not forget some Board members calling the citizens who were at the meeting a mob and our supervisor almost storming out in anger because citizens dared to speak out and express their views with clapping. WOW that is certainly “mob” rule.
You have not been on the receiving end of some of Jenn’s unlawful demands that people must do certain things not called for in the ordinances in order to be granted an sup or land use permit. The power she has over issuing an sup or a land use permit are not checked by the trustees or supervisor.
The way things work is backwards.
Finally, lest you forgot she unlawfully, in my opinion refused to accept two sup applications when the state law ruled that once a notice of petition for overturning an action in this case stays the implementation of the underlying ordinance that is subject to the petition.
That action is now the result of yet another court case which will cost the township thousands of dollars defending. It remains to be seen how the court will rule on that one.
I am quite sure that the court will rule against the Jenn and the township. So many of her unilateral actions have not been in the best interest of the citizens contrary to what you believe.